My 7-year-old never used to want her hair to be deep conditioned so I used to shampoo it once a month and then apply just a regular conditioner. On other weeks I would co-wash only then style as normal.
My daughter made if very clear that she thought deep conditioning* was disgusting because I would usually use whatever is in the pantry or fridge on her hair.
I even tried using a store bought conditioner with an oil but she complained about that as well, she didn’t like the idea of having the conditioner on her hair with the plastic cap over it.
With that said, after some time her hair started breaking on the sides and the back and to make matters worse we couldn’t do her favourite styles. I realized that if I was going to salvage my child’s hair I had to be a bit creative even if it meant getting a little tough on her at times.
This is what I did:
I educated her about her hair
I decided it was time to educate this little one on the reasons she has to have her hair deep conditioned. I explained to her that her hair was shorter on the sides because of lack of moisture which is what caused to break.
I also explained that deep conditioning* was part of the solution to fix this situation. I went further and said that the short parts couldn’t fit into protective styles leaving it exposed to the forces of the weather making it drier and that it would break even further.
I showed her other kids with healthy hair
My daughter is the eldest so I could use her little sisters as references for the point I was trying to make. I showed her, her little sisters hair emphasising that her sisters hair was the same length because she allowed mum to take good care of it.
I highlighted the styles she is missing out on
My daughter has a signature style and when she realized she could not have that style anymore she was pretty upset about it. She couldn’t do her favourite style and she was upset about it and by then she was prepared to deep condition to get her hair back to health.
I showed her progress results
Since we were both in this together, we took pictures and I showed her progress pictures of her hair so that she could see the difference in the health of her hair.
Finally, I was able to reward her with styles she liked
Now that my daughter’s hair has grown on the sides she gets to wear her favourite styles. I have always allowed her to pick her styles from a selected few but now she was happy she could wear some of her faves again. Oh, and might I add, she deep conditions her hair on a weekly basis with no problems at all.
ladee neenah says
Good job mom. Teaching these healthy hair habits early will allow our kids to avoid the same hair issues we faced, and will probably lead to a healthier, happier outlook on and acceptance of our natural hair.
Fiso Moyo (CPA) says
Thank you ladee neenah yes I agree with you that will surely help.
http://encountercs.com.au/
Fiso Moyo (CPA) says
Thank you yes I agree with you
Krista Tyler says
Good job Mom! My 7 year old likes deep conditioning (right now) because that means a bubble bath and lots of play time!